Adding a “Coming Soon” feature for products in WooCommerce can be a powerful tool to create excitement and anticipation among customers, building up interest before the product is even available. Whether launching a new line or testing the market’s interest in a specific item, the WooCommerce Coming Soon Product functionality lets you manage upcoming products smoothly while preparing your customers to make a purchase as soon as it’s live. Here’s a comprehensive look at the WooCommerce Coming Soon feature, its benefits, and how to set it up in your store.
What Is WooCommerce Coming Soon Product?
The WooCommerce Coming Soon Product feature is a way to showcase products that are not yet available for purchase. Instead of hiding the product completely, you can display it with a “Coming Soon” label or message, showing customers that it will be available soon and keeping them informed about the release date. You can even allow visitors to subscribe to notifications, keeping them engaged and excited about the launch.
With the WooCommerce Coming Soon functionality, you can showcase upcoming products on your website without confusing customers about their availability. It’s particularly beneficial for stores that frequently release new products, limited-edition items, or seasonal collections. Customers can view these upcoming items, read their descriptions, and, if configured, sign up to receive updates when they become available.
Key Benefits of Using Coming Soon Product WooCommerce
- Build Customer Anticipation
Teasing customers with an upcoming product builds excitement and creates a sense of urgency. When you use the WooCommerce Coming Soon feature, you’re generating curiosity and encouraging customers to come back, eager to make a purchase once the product is launched. - Gather Valuable Customer Feedback
The Coming Soon page can serve as a tool for gauging customer interest and gathering feedback before the launch. By allowing customers to register their interest, you’ll be able to estimate demand and make any necessary adjustments to inventory levels or product features. - Boost Sales from the Moment of Launch
When you build anticipation, customers are more likely to make purchases right when the product becomes available. With pre-launch marketing and customer sign-ups, you have a ready pool of interested buyers who are notified as soon as the product is live, leading to immediate sales. - Increase Email Subscriptions
By offering customers the option to sign up for notifications about new products, you’ll increase your email list. With each product launch, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with potential customers, not only for that specific item but also for future marketing campaigns. - Improve Inventory Management
Knowing how many people are interested in a product before it’s available helps you make smarter inventory decisions. For instance, if a significant number of people register interest, you may decide to stock more of that item to meet demand effectively.
Essential Features of WooCommerce Coming Soon Products
- Countdown Timer
Adding a countdown timer to the product page shows customers exactly when the product will be available. This feature heightens the anticipation and creates urgency, which can lead to higher conversion rates when the product launches. - Email Notification System
A robust Coming Soon feature should allow customers to enter their email addresses to receive updates. This way, you can notify subscribers as soon as the product is available, ensuring they don’t miss out on the launch. - Customizable Coming Soon Label
You can adjust the text and design of the Coming Soon label to match your store’s branding. Having a consistent brand identity across all elements of your store builds trust and makes for a more professional appearance. - Flexible Availability Date
Specify the exact date and time when the product will become available. This information helps customers know when to return and prepares them to make a purchase at that time. - Pre-Order Option
If you want to give customers the chance to buy the product before it’s officially released, some Coming Soon plugins or features allow you to enable a pre-order option. This can generate early sales and provide a better sense of demand before the full launch.
How to Set Up a WooCommerce Coming Soon Product
Implementing the Coming Soon feature for your WooCommerce store is straightforward, especially with the right tools. Here’s how you can set it up:
- Choose a WooCommerce Coming Soon Plugin
There are several plugins available to add Coming Soon functionality to WooCommerce, such as “YITH WooCommerce Waiting List” or “WooCommerce Coming Soon Products.” These plugins provide a variety of features, including countdown timers, email notifications, and customizable messages. - Install and Activate the Plugin
After selecting your preferred plugin, install and activate it through the WordPress dashboard. Once activated, the plugin will add Coming Soon options to your WooCommerce product pages. - Configure Product Settings
Navigate to the product page you want to set as “Coming Soon.” You’ll now see new fields or tabs specific to the plugin you installed. Here, you can set the availability date, enable the countdown timer, and customize the message that will display on the product page. - Enable Email Notifications
Most Coming Soon plugins include an option to enable email notifications. Turn on this feature so customers can enter their email addresses and receive a notification when the product is ready to buy. This option helps drive sales by bringing interested customers back to your site on launch day. - Customize the Display
Ensure the Coming Soon label, countdown timer, and any additional text are customized to fit your brand’s colors and style. A well-designed page with an engaging layout will make the product appear more desirable and professional. - Test the Setup
Before going live, test your Coming Soon product page by previewing it. Check that the countdown timer works correctly, the email notification option is functional, and the page aligns with your design preferences.
Popular Plugins for WooCommerce Coming Soon Products
- WooCommerce Coming Soon: This plugin offers a simple way to mark products as Coming Soon and includes a customizable countdown timer, label, and notification system.
- YITH WooCommerce Waiting List: With a focus on building anticipation, this plugin lets customers join a waiting list and automatically receive an email when the product becomes available.
- WooCommerce Pre-Orders: Ideal for stores that want to allow pre-orders on upcoming products, this plugin offers flexibility in handling payments and managing launch dates.
Each of these plugins provides unique features, so choose one that aligns best with your business needs and objectives.
Best Practices for WooCommerce Coming Soon Products
- Create Hype on Social Media
Use your social media platforms to tease the upcoming product. Share sneak peeks, build excitement with countdowns, and encourage followers to sign up for notifications on your site. This strategy not only builds interest but also drives traffic to your site. - Use High-Quality Visuals
Quality images are essential for attracting attention to any product. Even if the product isn’t available yet, using high-quality images can help create a more compelling Coming Soon page and entice customers to sign up for notifications. - Highlight Key Benefits
Make sure your Coming Soon page emphasizes the unique selling points of the product. Give customers a reason to be excited about the launch, whether it’s a special feature, limited availability, or introductory pricing. - Leverage FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Adding a countdown timer or limited release date can create a sense of urgency. This technique taps into customers’ FOMO, making them more likely to return to your site as soon as the product is available. - Send Multiple Reminders
In addition to notifying subscribers on launch day, consider sending a reminder a few days before the release to keep the product fresh in their minds. This approach ensures that interested customers are primed to make a purchase as soon as the product launches.
Conclusion
The WooCommerce Coming Soon Product feature is an excellent tool for building anticipation and capturing customer interest before a product is available. By implementing this feature, you can boost your store’s sales potential, gather valuable feedback, and grow your email list. From customizable notifications to countdown timers, a Coming Soon page keeps customers engaged and ready to buy the moment your product is live
